[PHOTOS] How newly launched Ngong–Naivasha Road viaduct looks

President William Ruto has officially opened the Ngong Road–Naivasha Road viaduct in Nairobi, saying the new infrastructure will help ease traffic congestion and improve mobility along one of the capital's busiest transport corridors.

The President said the viaduct is expected to eliminate a long-standing traffic bottleneck by improving the movement of motorists, public transport and freight.

According to the Director for  Roads Planning and Design at  Kenya Urban Roads Authority,  Engineer Wilfred Oginga, a viaduct is a road that is elevated and supported above the ground, typically using pillars. Elevating the road, it prevents direct interaction between local and through traffic.

According to the government, the project is projected to reduce congestion along the corridor by up to 60 per cent, shorten travel times, lower transport costs and enhance road safety.

Ruto said the commissioning forms part of a broader programme to modernise Nairobi's transport infrastructure and improve connectivity across the city.

"We are undertaking one of the most ambitious urban road improvement programmes in Nairobi's history, with 729 kilometres of roads under routine maintenance and more roads under rehabilitation across the city," he said.

He said the investments are aimed at creating a modern, efficient and globally competitive capital city while supporting economic growth by improving the movement of people and goods across Nairobi.